South Africa: Top 20 attractions in deepest Africa

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is perhaps the world's most famous safari park. It is one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa and is a 3.5-4 hour drive from Johannesburg.

It is here that nature lovers can see the "big five" in their environment: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.

Kruger Park has an incredible variety of wildlife, so there is a good chance of encountering other animals as well. There are rock paintings of the local Bushmen indigenous peoples and archaeological sites to visit. There are many ways for travelers to enjoy their time, such as exploring the Kruger Park by car, enjoying nature on a walking safari, or soaring above the vast grasslands, coastal forests and water bodies in a hot air balloon.

Dragon Mountains

Shrouded in mystical beauty, the Dragon Mountains (Drakensberg) are one of the most beautiful landscapes in South Africa. The legendary hiking trails of this mountain system wind around rocky gorges, whispering meadows and magical river valleys - it's a nature lover's paradise.

Typically, tourists here visit Royal Natal National Park, Cathedral Peak and a peak called Champagne Castle. Further north lies Mpumalanga, an area of South Africa famous for its surreal natural landscapes and magnificent waterfalls. In this region, you can enjoy a view of the Blyde River Canyon (the third largest in the world!) of the so-called "God's Window".

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the largest population center in South Africa, now home to about 4 million people. It is the richest city, providing about a third of the gross product of the republic. Such achievements Johannesburg owes mainly to the richest gold deposits located in the surrounding areas.

Apartheid Museum

Located in Johannesburg, this museum is dedicated to the history of black oppression since the arrival of European colonizers (first the Dutch, then the British).

The apartheid policy was implemented until 1994 and was part of the official state ideology. The museum is dedicated to the memory of the victims of unjust racial segregation. Particularly striking is the memorial hall dedicated to Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters.

Garden Route

Garden Route is one of the best places to vacation in South Africa. It is an amazing journey of about 300 kilometers along the southern coast. This region offers a magical blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and travelers alike.

The area is home to a lot of wildlife including different species of birds, dolphins and even whales. You can take so many great photos here that on long winter evenings, the mention of this place will take your breath away.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was created by the merger of two national parks, Kalahari Gemsboka and Botswana's Gemsboka National Park. It is now one of the largest wildlife habitats in the world.

The park was established in 2000 as the first official transboundary park across Africa. Now the Kalahari attracts photographers and travelers with its exotic vistas: you can see crooked trees with the funny name "camel thorn", red sands, golden grasslands and bright blue skies. This large reserve is home to the famous black-throated lions, the majestic chamois, the glistening nesting weaver meerkats, and many birds of prey.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

The heart of modern Cape Town is located in the working harbor. It's always buzzing with activity, with waterfront promenades, musical performances and restaurants ranging from fast food to haute cuisine. It's the perfect location for leisurely shopping, a delicious lunch overlooking the yachts and souvenir shopping.

The V&A Waterfront is a cultural hub, home to Zeitz MOCAA, the largest museum of contemporary African art, as well as the Maritime Museum and a market with interesting delicacies and crafts.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

It turns out that one of the largest botanical gardens in the world is located exactly in South Africa - it is Kirstenbosch, and we can safely say that to see in South Africa this monument is worth it for sure.

The history of the botanical garden began in the 15th century, when the first conquerors of these lands decided to settle here. Today there are about 7 thousand species of plants alone, as well as a well-developed infrastructure, there are cafes, restaurants, souvenir stores.

Wild Coast

The Wild Coast is what the doctor ordered if your goal is peace and tranquility. This area of the coast is famous for its quiet, almost deserted towns and laid-back atmosphere.

Here you can enjoy a lazy vacation exploring the Bohemian streets of Coffee Bay, marvel at the fascinating waterfalls tumbling from the African border straight into the ocean, or find secret beaches hidden from human eyes along quiet hiking trails.

Kalahari Desert

A growing desert. Its red-orange sands have already invaded the territory of its neighbors Zambia, Angola and Zimbabwe. The Kalahari covers about 8% of the continent and its area is steadily increasing.

This area is home to an indigenous tribe of Bushmen, who, as thousands of years ago, live by hunting and primitive crafts. Excursions to the Bushmen settlement are popular with tourists.

Stellenboss

Stellenboss is a magical town that epitomizes the beauty and wealth of South Africa. It is renowned for its lush vineyards, gentle hills and abundant sunshine, making it one of the country's leading wine regions.

Founded in 1679, it is South Africa's second oldest city, rich in history and culture, with a magnificent blend of Cape Dutch architecture and modern flavor.

Book your hotel with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

The gorgeous Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is a favorite stop on the way from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park.

Lush subtropical foliage, waterfalls, glistening rivers and lichen-covered rock formations all attract travelers and photographers from all over the world. Given that the reserve is home to South Africa's most common species of primates, hippos and crocodiles, wildlife watching is one of the most common leisure activities here.

Boulders Penguin Beach

Don't you also associate Africa with Penguins? Well, at Boulders Beach in Simonstown, you can see a large colony of African penguins. They appeared on the beach in 1982 when the first two nesting pairs settled on this stretch of coastline.

Thanks to a ban on commercial fishing for sardines and anchovies in Falls Bay, the penguin population in South Africa began to grow rapidly. Today, Boulders Beach is home to about 3,000 African penguins.

The penguins are complete masters here. They calmly walk on the sand, swim, play with each other and are not afraid of people.

Naisana

If you are looking for a paradisiacal place for a romantic trip for two and a relaxing vacation, Naisna is the perfect candidate. South Africans and tourists love this place for its sunny, festive atmosphere, comfortable accommodation options and great restaurants.

Stay in a floating house in the lagoon, indulge in oysters or relax with family and friends while indulging in a traditional South African barbecue braai.

Cradle of Humanity

The Cradle of Humankind is an archaeological site consisting of limestone caves with a total area of almost 500 square kilometers. In total, there are about 3 dozen caves, each of which is of great historical value - it is believed that the first African tribes originated here.

Thus, in the process of excavations in the caves were found remains of human ancestors - Australopithecus, dated 2 million years BC, as well as fragments of various tools used by ancient man.

Tsitsikamma Marine National Park

It is several tens of kilometers of coastline. One third of the park is occupied by dense forests growing in river gorges. The animal world is represented by a great variety of species: African weasel, Dominican gull, ostrich, olive woodpecker, dolphin, cat, orca, otter and many others.

A laboratory for the study of endangered fish species is established in the reserve.

Diving with great white sharks

Climb into a powerful iron cage, dive into the ocean and come face to face with a great white shark... Believe it or not, this is one of South Africa's most popular thrill-seeking experiences.

This sport has become so sought after that every year new and new tour operators are popping up to allow you to meet the sharks. The best time for diving is from April to October, although great white sharks swim in these waters all year round.

Table Mountain

Located south-west of Cape Town on the shore of the bay of the same name, it is considered a visiting card of this city. Its image is even on the city flag.

Many archaeological artifacts were found in the area of Table Mountain. According to them, scientists have come to the conclusion that people have been living in this area for tens of thousands of years. A cable car leads up, and hiking trails are equipped near the slopes.

Cape of Good Hope

Warm and cold currents meet at the southern tip of Africa, with the waters of the Atlantic Ocean combining with those of the Indian Ocean. This occurs at a place called the Cape of Good Hope.

During the period of active African exploration, this was a deadly place for mariners, as the unpredictability of the sea currents often led to shipwrecks. The Cape was visited by the legendary Vasco da Gama.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park is renowned for being home to one of the most densely populated populations of African elephants in the world. Established in 1931, the park covers an area of about 1,640 square kilometers and is a unique combination of breathtaking spiritual landscapes, diverse ecosystems and rich animal life.